Bukayo Saka Ruled Out of Arsenal’s Clash Against Bournemouth

Hamstring Issue Sidelines Star Winger for Premier League Matchup

LONDON, ENGLAND – October 19, 2024 – Arsenal FC has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will miss their Premier League match against Bournemouth due to a hamstring issue.

Injury Concerns

Saka picked up the injury during his recent international duty with England. Although initial assessments suggested the injury wasn’t severe, Mikel Arteta has opted to err on the side of caution, leaving Saka out of the squad.

Lineup Changes

In Saka’s absence, Leandro Trossard will join the starting lineup. Other changes to the lineup include:

•⁠ ⁠Mikel Merino making his first start for Arsenal in midfield
•⁠ ⁠Raheem Sterling starting on the left wing

Arsenal Starting XI:

1.⁠ ⁠David Raya (GK)
2.⁠ ⁠Ben White (RB)
3.⁠ ⁠William Saliba (CB)
4.⁠ ⁠Gabriel Magalhaes (CB)
5.⁠ ⁠Caleb Calafiori (LB)
6.⁠ ⁠Thomas Partey (DM)
7.⁠ ⁠Mikel Merino (DM)
8.⁠ ⁠Declan Rice (CM)
9.⁠ ⁠Raheem Sterling (LW)
10.⁠ ⁠Kai Havertz (AM)
11.⁠ ⁠Leandro Trossard (RW)

Arsenal Subs:

1.⁠ ⁠Karl Hein (GK)
2.⁠ ⁠Oleksandr Zinchenko (DF)
3.⁠ ⁠Jakub Kiwior (DF)
4.⁠ ⁠Ethan Lewis-Skelly (MF)
5.⁠ ⁠Jorginho (MF)
6.⁠ ⁠Khayon Edwards (FW)
7.⁠ ⁠Gabriel Jesus (FW)
8.⁠ ⁠Gabriel Martinelli (FW)

Arteta’s Verdict

“Bukayo’s injury isn’t serious, but we can’t risk aggravating it,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference. “We have a strong squad, and we’re confident in our ability to adapt.”

Bournemouth Preview

Bournemouth, currently sitting 14th in the Premier League table, will look to capitalize on Saka’s absence. The Cherries have struggled on the road, but Arsenal’s injury concerns could provide an opportunity for an upset.